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Compare Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Baclofen (Ozobax DS, Fleqsuvy, Lyvispah) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are both prescription muscle relaxers used to treat muscle spasms and stiffness. Baclofen is typically used for muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, whereas tizanidine is used for muscle stiffness and rigidity. Baclofen is available in tablets, oral solutions, and dissolvable granules, while tizanidine comes in tablets and capsules. Both medications are usually taken three times a day, with baclofen doses ranging from 5 mg to 20 mg and tizanidine doses from 2 mg to 36 mg per day. Baclofen can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea, while tizanidine can cause low blood pressure, dry mouth, and sleepiness. Both medications interact with some other medications. Always be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.

  • Baclofen
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • Baclofen
    Tizanidine (Zanaflex)

  • Summary of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Baclofen is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries in adults and children ages 12 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Baclofen comes as tablets, as well as oral solutions (including brand names Ozobax DS and Fleqsuvy) and dissolvable granules (brand name Lyvispah) for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Side effects of baclofen include sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea. If you stop this medication too suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.

    Summary for Alpha-2 agonist
    Prescription only

    Tizanidine, also known by its brand name Zanaflex, is a muscle relaxer. It's FDA approved to treat stiff, rigid muscles in adults. This medication comes as tablets and capsules that you take by mouth. The usual dosage is taken as needed, up to 3 times a day. It has side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. Tizanidine (Zanaflex) is available as a generic and brand-name medication.

  • Indications of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Indications for
    •Muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries in people ages 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Muscle stiffness and rigidity

  • Pros and Cons of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Starts to work quickly
    •Can take with or without food
    •Tablets and some liquid formulations are available as lower-cost generics
    •Can crush or cut tablets
    Cons
    •Sleepiness is a common side effect
    •Oral granules are available as a brand-name only
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped too quickly
    •Might not be safe while pregnant
    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 agonist
    Pros
    •Taken as needed (up to 3 times a day) to help relax stiff or rigid muscles
    •Works within 1 to 2 hours
    •Also available as capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    •Not a controlled substance
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure
    •Interacts with many other medications, like birth control pills, ciprofloxacin, and opioids
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you lower the dose or stop suddenly
    •Higher risk of side effects in older adults and people with kidney problems

  • Common Side Effects of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 63%)
    •Dizziness (up to 15%)
    •Weakness (up to 15%)
    •Nausea (up to 12%)
    •Confusion (up to 11%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (49%)
    •Sleepiness (48%)
    •Weakness (41%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Urinary tract infection (10%)

  • Warnings of Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    •Don't take during pregnancy
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood pressure
    •Sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Possible hallucinations
    •Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Baclofen vs. Tizanidine

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